The new basketball season is here. The Journal News and lohud.com 2013-14 preview will drop on Saturday, but we’ll have plenty more then—including this year’s Super 7—so we’re getting started now.

Below you can find team-by-team reports on teams in Class AA. If you have more to add, please let us know.

Let’s kick things off with a video that gives our forecast for the upcoming season:

ARLINGTON ADMIRALS
Coach: Matt Hoyt (12th season)Last season’s record: 16-4Playoffs: Lost to Mahopac in double OT in quarterfinalKey returners: David Verdis, Sr.; Kyle Flanagan, Sr.; Joe DeRosa, Sr.; Brandon Tobin, Sr.; Ryan Porter, Sr.; Brendan Sunday, Jr.Key newcomers: Dan Schweitzer, Jr.; Mike Ryan, Jr.; Akaash Mundra, Sr.; Chris O’Neill, Jr.; DeAndre Jones, Sr.; Kyle Connell, Jr.; Jonte Whitikar, Jr.; Drew Whitely, So.; Jonathan Girard, Fr.Coach speak: “We lost all five starters and nine players total from last year’s team due to graduation. We will need to work hard each and every night to compete throughout the season. This is a great group of guys to be around.”

CARMEL RAMS
Coach: John Venditto (1st season)Last season’s record: 9-10Playoffs: Lost to Arlington in first roundKey returners: James Loughran (5-11), Sr., G/F; Joe Ross (6-0), Sr., G; Ray Dorritie (6-2), Sr., F/C; John Niebuhr (6-3), Sr., C; Jack Haughney (6-1), Sr., F; Jack Cody (6-1), Sr., G/F.Key newcomers: Matt Cawley (5-10), Jr., G; Ryan Train (6-0), So., G; Quinn Willman (5-8), So., G; Matt Haughney (6-1), So., F.Coach speak: ”(This is a) very young and inexperienced team in basketball terms. Only Loughran, Dorritie and Ross played minutes last season. Loughran started every game. Willman and Train are promising young players who will need to develop quickly and have an impact. The team will compete and play hard, but the roster is a bit thin on size and talent. We may struggle to rebound at times. Hopefully, the character and effort they have shown will translate to improvement in all areas. They are a solid group of guys and very coachable.”

FOX LANE FOXESCoach: Christopher Violante (10th season)Last season’s record: 15-5Playoffs: Lost to Mount Vernon in quarterfinalsKey returners: James Morales (6-3), Sr., G; Nicholas Bonura (6-0), Sr., G; Will Paul (6-2), Sr., G; Andrew Redhead (6-4), Sr., F; Thomas Palmerton (6-4), Sr., F; Jack Palmerton (6-10), Sr., C; Jordan Pasetsky (6-2), Sr., F; Dion Austrie (5-10), Sr. G; Andrew Cross (6-0), Sr., F; Jason Bracco (5-10), Sr., G; James Pappalardo (5-10), Sr., G; Owen Azrak (5-11), Jr., G. Key newcomers: Matt Redhead (6-3), So., F; Anthony Nappi (5-10), Jr., G; Sean New (6-0), So., G; Michael Cory (5-10), Jr., G Coach speak: “Fox Lane returns 12 players from last year’s 15-5 team, including three starters (Morales, Bonura and Tom Palmerton). James Morales earned all-section last year. This is the deepest team the Foxes have had in years and have strong senior leadership. One of their strengths should be experience as they return seven players who played good minutes from last season. Fox Lane should have the ability to cause matchup problems because of its skilled, large post presence. This group has really bought into the team first mentality, which will be huge if the players want to achieve their goals. Great emphasis has been placed on defense and rebounding as Fox Lane is hoping its size and length gives them an advantage in those areas.”

HORACE GREELEY QUAKERS
Coach: Dave Fernandes (21st season)Last season’s record: 5-14Playoffs: Lost in outbracket roundKey returners: Cameron Ciero (6-1), Jr., G; Jason Neff (6-3), Jr., G/F; Adam Quine (6-4), Jr., F; Brandon Okun (5-11), Sr., G.Key newcomers: Connor Schinderman (6-3), Jr., C; Jeffrey Merchant (6-6), So., F/C; Jonathan Kratz (5-9), Jr., G; Ethan Canner (6-0), Sr., G; Jackson Krase (6-0), Jr., G/F; Nate Morris (6-2), Jr., F; Bo Phillips (5-11), Jr., F; Jason Re (6-3); Jr., F; Brandon Spiegel (5-10); Fr. GCoach speak: “This team returns just one part-time starter and is short on varsity experience, but they had a lot of success at lower levels. It is their time and they play very hard. The team will be led by Ciero, the third and possibly best of of a very successful Greeley athletic and basketball family. They have high hopes for sharpshooting Neff and their power group of Quine, Schinderman and Merchant, an interesting sophomore. Kratz will provide speed in the backcourt.

JOHN JAY-EAST FISHKILL PATRIOTS
Coach: Darrell Flynn (3rd season)Last season’s record: 3-15Playoffs: Did not qualifyKey returners: Brenden DelBiondo, Sr., G; Ryan Pergolizzi, Sr., G/F; Dimitrios Tsesmetzis, Sr., C; Dom Pergolizzi, Jr., F.Key newcomers: Justin Cunha, Jr., G; Ryan Metz, Jr., PG.Coach speak: “We are focusing on the little things each day to be successful. We have a common goal to work hard each day at practice to get better as a team. If we can work hard, play as a team, and play to our strengths we will be successful.”

MAHOPAC INDIANS
Coach: Kevin Downes (7th season)Last season’s record: 17-4Playoffs: Lost in semifinals to eventual champ New RochelleKey returners: Ryan Simone (6-5), Sr., F; Glen Janik (5-10), Sr., G; Ethan Ryan (5-9), Sr., G; Kyle Dillon (6-0), Sr., F.Key newcomers: R.J.Martinez (6-2), Sr., G; Chris Esernio (6-5), Jr., G; Daniel Foley (6-4), So., F; Aidan Hynes (6-3), So., F; Brandon Davis (6-5), Jr., F.Coach speak: “The Indians graduated nine seniors from a team that was within minutes of playing in its second consecutive sectional final. Ryan Simone averaged a double-double last season and was an all-league and all-conference player. Simone should be one of the best players in the section this season. Teaming up with Simone is transfer R.J. Martinez, who was an all-league player last season for crosstown rival Carmel. The two of them should be a dynamic tandem this season. The play of Glen Janik at point guard and the development of sophomores Daniel Foley and Aidan Hynes and juniors Chris Esernio and Brandon Davis will determine how successful we will be this season. This will be a young group that may struggle early and will need to gel as the season progresses. The Indians will rely on solid team defense and rebounding as keys to their success.”

MAMARONECK TIGERS
Coach: Tyrone Carver Jr. (9th Season)Last season’s record: 8-10Playoffs: Lost in first round to MahopacKey returners: Matt Bernstein (6-3), Sr., G; Dean DeLucia (5-8), Jr., G; Kumar Nambiar (5-11), Jr., G; Alex Parkinson (6-5), Jr., F; Will Giddon (6-4), Jr., C; Ross Garfield (6-3), Sr., F; Jack Green (6-0), Jr., G.Key newcomers: Jack Budill (6-2), Jr., G; Alec Araula (5-9), So., G; Ronny Corvino (6-1), Sr., G; Max Kaufman (6-3), Jr., F; Ryan Schudy (6-2), Sr., F; Thomas Orgielewicz (6-0), Jr., G.Coach speak: “Our team will rely on defense and rebounding to get into the transition game early and often. We have great depth at the guard position. The combination of Bernstein, DeLucia and Nambiar could be major. We will need contributions off the bench in order to be successful. The development of Giddon, Garfield and Schudy will be important early in the season with Parkinson missing the first month of the season due to a foot injury. This may be one of the most talented teams we’ve had in recent years.”

OSSINING
Coach: Khalid Sales and Ed Walker (6th season)Last season’s record: 10-9Playoffs: Lost to Fox Lane in first roundKey returners: Ivan Iton (6-4), Sr., C; James Johnson (6-0), Sr., G; Justin Davidov (6-0), Sr., G; Brandon Gomez (5-9), Sr., G.Key newcomers: Joseph Arena (6-1), Sr., F; Quari Alleyne (6-1), Jr., G; Vincent Dileo (6-0), Jr., F; Shea Holebrook (6-4), Jr., C.Coach speak: “Ivan Iton and James Johnson are two of our returning starters from last year. We also have Justin Davidov and Shea Holebrook, who should command a lot of attention with his slashing moves through the paint. Our backcourt will also consist of Brandon Gomez, a streaky sharp shooter, Wes Rodgers, Alfred Otero and Jaleel Murdock. Our most versatile players are Gregory Jackson, Vincent Dileo and Quari Alleyne. These guys are able to play all positions if needed. The potential for this team is endless.”

PORT CHESTER RAMS
Coach: Craig HolcombLast year’s record: 1-17Playoffs: Did not qualifyKey returners: Kori Henriquez (6-5); Kiral Ibrahim (5-9); John Cuyati (6-0); Justin Davis (6-2).Key newcomers: Wes Reed (6-0); Na Keem Marks; Raydor Sanchez; Mike Thogerson; Brendan Doyle.Coach speak: “Kori Henriquez is the lone returning starter. He was the third leading scorer and second leading rebounder. Kiral Ibrahim will start at the point and the other three spots are up for grabs. We are not a big team and do not have a lot of depth. Our margin for error will be very small. Hopefully Kori has a big year. He’s getting recruited by some Division III schools right now.”

RAMAPO GRYPHONS
Coach: Austin Goldberg (1st season)Last season’s record: 1-17Playoffs: Did not qualifyKey returners: Chinaemezu Agwu (6-4), Jr., F; Frank Wilson-Woods (6-1), Sr., G.Key newcomers: Wendell Floyd (6-1), Jr., G; Cameron Heywood (6-1), Jr., G.Coach speak: “Frank Wilson-Woods might be the best guard in Rockland that no one knows about. He has excellent court vision. We hope that Chinaemezu Agwa will have a bounce back season. Ramapo will have to rely heavily on all new varsity players. There are only three returning players who were on the varsity team last season. The coaching staff will try to ease the transition implementing a new system. We are full of hard working young men that want to instill pride back into this program.”

WHITE PLAINS TIGERSCoach: Spencer Mayfield (21st season)Last season’s record: 8-12Playoffs: Lost In first roundKey returners: Mike DeMello (5-10), Sr., PG; Marshon Morris (6-1), Sr., G; Rexeler Noel (6-2), Sr., F; Justin Tapper (6-4), Sr., F; Chris Jordan (5-10), Sr., G; Quincy Bells (6-1), Sr., F; Kevin Trapp (6-2), Jr., F.Key newcomers: Cameron Crabbe (6-1), Sr., F; Nijee Lewis-Jones (5-11), Jr., G; Terrence Scott (5-11), Jr., F; Montre Rooke (5-10), Jr., G; Marcus Gill (6-2), So., F; Jordan Tucker (6-7), Fr., G.Coach speak: “Mike DeMello returns as one of the top point guards in the section. He was an all-league, all-conference, all-section player. He is one of four returning starters. Marshon Morris was an all-league selection last year. He is a highly-skilled, versatile athlete with great defensive presence will provide his great all-around game. The most improved player, fully healed from summer injury, is Rexler Noel. He is our best kept secret. He had some strong games last year and is ready to take on more team responsibilities this season in terms of scoring and leadership. He is a very versatile player. Justin Tapper continues to improve his game and has accepted his role as a leader on the team. Chris Jordan will be counted on to bring his experience and be consistent this season. The highly-skilled freshman Jordan Tucker will be a reliable scoring option in the backcourt. Cameron Crabbe is another very good athlete with versatility and will make a major contribution both offensively and defensively at multiple positions in a welcomed return to the basketball program. Juniors Kevin Trapp, Nijee Lewis-Jones and Terrence Scott along with sophomore Marcus Gill will provide quality depth. The team should rely on great team defense to get into an uptempo style offense. Our four football players have get their basketball flow back and we could be a good team.”

JOSH THOMSON joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in March 2003 and has covered high school football, basketball, baseball and pro and college sports ever since. He graduated in 1998 from Carmel High School and in 2002 from Boston University with a degree in communications. Josh spends the majority of his free time with his wife and two daughters.

Yes, he is young and has potential but I’m not blown away yet and I hope your right. Banner looks like he’s on mission. Martin is just a beast and plays much bigger than he is. If Bartley finally play’s up to his potential on a consistent basis and the new kid Judah (who looks dynamite) progresses under Coach C, they are a very good team.

Only weakness I see is not having a great point guard as they have had in the past, and that’s going to be a problem against the top teams. When we get MV71’s opinion then we will know for sure,

Does anyone have any insight about White Plains. I heard they have a 6-7 frosh with amazing potential. You have to think the kid will jump ship for a prep school after this year. Thanks for any information, fellas. Happy Thanksgiving!

Billy, he’s the son of ex MV great Lew Tucker,who’s the asst coach at Oklahoma now. With that kind of lineage I’m sure he has a ton of potential. Here’s hoping he does go prep after this year so MV doesn’t have to deal with him for 4 years…...lol

Jordan Tucker’s father was also a very good player at Mount Vernon. Graduated in 85 and went on to play at Tuskeege in Alabama. His name is Lew not to be confused with the “Hill Street Lew” (Lew Hill) now an asst at Oklahoma who played at San Jac CC and then Wichita State.